Church has changed a lot — even during our lifetime. And the church has changed a lot from the New Testament times. But there are things that have not changed — we praise God, we pray, we read the word, and we celebrate the resurrection.Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:12-34 that believing in the resurrection is indispensable. He states: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:17-19).He tells us that the resurrection is indispensable because it gives us hope. He says that if all we have to hope for is in this earthly life, then we are to be pitied. The very fact that Christ was raised from the dead is to assure us that we too will be raised. He also tells us that in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and in 1 Corinthians 15:20. Paul states this hope For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).Then the resurrection is indispensable for our endurance (1 Cor. 15:30-32a). We are faced with many troubles and trials as we follow Christ. We are also called to carry our cross—to live a sacrificial life for Christ. So to remember Christ’s resurrection motivates us to “hang in there.” It’s knowing that Christ was raised from the dead, and that we have such great promises, it keeps us going.He also told the Corinthians, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor. 4:17). Yes, we have blessings now — in this life, but the real blessing in found in the resurrection.Finally, Paul tells us that the resurrection is indispensable for our holiness. If we ignore God’s judgment then we are likely to fall into unholy and sinful lives. Paul says, If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor. 15:32b).We will answer for our life. Jesus told the parable about the man who ignored this fact and concentrated on building up his fortune (Luke 12:16-21). But when we live our lives in view of the resurrection then we will be aware of what God wants and who and ...
